Chinoiserie Desks
CHINOISERIE STYLE
Emerging in the 17th century, chinoiserie appropriated the aesthetics and imagery of popular East Asian design for European-made versions. Reflecting the exoticization of China, Japan and other countries in this era, the word directly translates from French to “Chinese-esque,” which reveals its shortcomings as a style of furniture and decor that often stereotypically and reductively mimics Asian culture rather than showcasing and paying tribute to its artistic traditions.
The enthusiastically decorative chinoiserie style was propelled by influential tastemakers including French King Louis XIV, whose Trianon de Porcelaine in 1670 was inspired by Chinese architecture. Expanded trade between the East and West led to a demand for porcelain, lacquer objects, silk and other goods, which further informed the fanciful furniture being crafted in Europe.
Artisans working in the chinoiserie style used materials and elements like pagoda shapes, bamboo, lacquer surfaces, bird and flower motifs and other interpretations of Asian design on pieces that were frequently set against vibrant wallcoverings. This whimsical approach yielded chinoiserie furniture that boasted dramatic flourishes drawing on the natural world and reflected the dominance of Rococo during the 18th century.
As chinoiserie was shaped by approximations of Asian design by European creators, it had regional variations, such as Chinese Chippendale in England where cabinets, chairs and tea tables had wooden fretwork designs and “japanned” surfaces intended to resemble lacquer work that was created in East Asia. In North America, furniture makers in Boston and New York integrated chinoiserie-painted scenes into Queen Anne furniture.
Antique chinoiserie furniture has continued to be fashionable, from its popularity with decorators of the Hollywood Regency era — James Mont, Tommi Parzinger, William Haines and Samuel Marx favored the style — to contemporary interior designers, although it brings with it a complex history.
Find a collection of chinoiserie bedroom furniture, cabinets, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.
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Style: Chinoiserie
Drexel Chinoiserie Executive Campaign Desk Brass Leather Faux Bamboo
By Drexel
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A stunning Chinoiserie style Campaign desk by Drexel, 1960s. Fully marked, the desk features hand painted details, bas relief figures, a three panel leather top, brass hardware and g...
Category
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Brass
1970s Writing Desk From Century Furniture’s Chin Hua Collection
Located in Pasadena, TX
A coveted piece from Century Furniture’s Chin Hua Collection, this beautifully crafted writing desk from the early 1970’s at the start of the collection, it’s striking in its simplic...
Category
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Lacquer
$2,664 Sale Price
20% Off
Maitland Smith Chinoiserie Desk Vintage Bamboo Rattan Desk Entryway Table
Located in Rochester, NY
This is a stunning vintage Maitland Smith desk with Chinoiserie painted details throughout. The bamboo bases are leather wrapped and the hardware is all solid brass.
It’s in gorgeo...
Category
20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Leather, Wood
19th Century English George III Chinoiserie Bureau
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Early 19th century hand painted and decorated chinoiserie bureau / desk. The fall front opening to reveal a fully fitted interior and numerous holding compartments, above an arrangem...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Brass
Antique Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Red Leather Bureau Plat Writing Table Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Chinoiserie black lacquer red leather bureau plat writing table desk
Additional information:
Materials: LacquerLeatherWood
Color: Black
P...
Category
19th Century Antique Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Lacquer
Asian Teak Hand Carved Drop Front Compartmentalized Desk Style of George Zee
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Asian teak hand carved drop slant front desk with interior compartmentalized cubby storage in the style of George Zee and Co. of China. This amazing piece is in fabulous condition. Please see photos, circa mid-20th century.
This phenomenal drop front desk is made with superior craftsmanship and materials and is in exceptional original condition. Comprised of teak that has been carved on the drop front and the drawer faces with an incredible plum blossom and bird motif. The drop front is slanted above three rows of drawers. The top row having two drawers and the lower two a single full width drawer. All with recessed carved handles. Inside the drop front, besides the work surface, there is a removable cubby compartmentalized storage including a small drawer. This is made in the style of renowned Chinese furniture maker George Zee and Co. who made high quality teak and camphor wood furniture...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Teak
Queen Anne Chinoiserie Lacquer Pedestal Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century Queen Anne Chinoiserie black lacquer pedestal desk. Desk features three-quarter gallery top over three horizontal drawers, and doo...
Category
19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Chinoiserie Style Desk & Chair by Drexel Heritage, USA 1960's
By Drexel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite Chinoiserie Style Desk & Chair by Drexel Heritage and part of The Et-Cetera collection, a timeless masterpiece from th...
Category
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Brass
Vintage Asian Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The Vintage Asian Chinoiserie Secretary Desk blends American style with Eastern elegance, featuring intricate Chinoiserie detailing and exquisite cra...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Upholstery, Glass, Wood
19th Century English Queen Anne Chinoiserie Bureau Flat
Located in Dallas, TX
Discover the elegance of the 19th Century English Queen Anne Chinoiserie Bureau Flat, a stunning addition to any antique collection or as a unique piece for your home office. Its int...
Category
19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinoiserie Ladies Writing Desk c. Early 20th Century
Located in Westfield, MA
This striking Antique Chinoiserie Ladies Writing Desk, dating to the early 20th century, offers a beautiful blend of function and ornate design. The desk’s exterior is painted in a r...
Category
Early 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Wood
Bureau Desk Fall Front Japanning Tortoishell Gilding Chinoiserie
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
A rare, late-17th century / early-18th century, fall front bureau with gilded Chinoiserie Japanning & faux tortoishell ground.
“Before Japan was made in England, the imitation of tortoise-shell was much in request for cabinets, tables and the like“. John Stalker and George Parker, a treatise on Japanning and varnishing (originally published in 1668), Alec Tiranti, 1998, p. 75.
- This bureau is decorated in one of the most fashionable styles of the Baroque period, Chinese lacquer with gilded decoration and tortoiseshell imitation ground and would have been a statement piece within the interior.
- The colours, which have become muted from atmospheric conditions over time, are still striking and colourful evoking warm and richness.
- It has come from a private collection where it has reputedly been for many generations which explains why it is in such original condition retaining the original hinges, lock and catches.
- Pieces of imitation tortoishell with gilded lacquer decoration are rare, the last piece I handled was a chest of drawers about 20 years ago.
- Tortoishell furniture was only affordable by royalty and the elite and the height of fashion in the 17th century, as was producing things that were not what they seemed. One of the oldest examples of faux material from the Baroque period is at Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen where, in 1667, the royal bed...
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Lacquer
Antique Asian Oriental japaneese Burned Bamboo Hand Painted Decorated Desk Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique Asian Oriental Chinese burned bamboo hand painted decorated desk writing table.
Category
20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Bamboo
English Red Mini Kneehole Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
English Venezian Red Mini Kneehole Desk with raised Chinoiserie. Hand painted and crafted by Kipper himself in our shop; truly making this vibrant desk a one of a kind. He was inspir...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Antique Jacobean William and Mary Greek Key Carved Mahogany 3 Drawer Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Jacobean William and Mary Green Key Carved Mahogany 3 Drawer Desk. Item features carved "chinoiserie" details, turn carved spiral legs and s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Mahogany
Related Items
Chinoiserie Black & Burl Chin Hua Dresser by Raymond K. Sabota for Century Furn
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Chinoiserie Chin Hua Collection dresser or sideboard by Raymond K. Sabota for Century Furniture comprised of an ebony-tone wood frame, burlwood inlays, brass trim & hardware, double doors, and nine drawers total. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, it has been cleaned but has no outstanding flaws that we have detected. Normal wear as you would expect with use & age. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century.
NOTE: IF you love this Chin Hua Collection dresser or sideboard by Raymond K. Sabota for Century Furniture, we have the matching armoire/wardrobe, pair of nightstands, and pair of mirrors in separate listings here for sale if they are still available. We also have many other items from the Chin Hua line. Check them out!
OH, MY GOODNESS!!!! If you are looking for a dynamic dresser for your bedroom. Or a beautiful buffet for your dining room. Or a CRAZY gorgeous credenza for your entry hall or living room. You have DEFINATELY found it! This beauty is part of the original Chin Hua Collection designed by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture in 1975. The entire collection was retired in 1998 after a 23-year successful run. So successful that Century Furniture reissued the collection in 2012. And it is no wonder they revived it. The Chin Hua Collection was one of Century’s most revered collections of all time. And this piece bears the original Century Furniture tag and is not part of the new collection and is only available vintage!!! So, It’s your LUCKY DAY!!! Playing with Hollywood Regency and Chinoiserie styles, Raymond Sabota designed this piece oh-so-handsomely. It is comprised of a stunning rectangular ebony-toned wood framework featuring beautiful burlwood inlays on the door fronts, 6 drawers, and phenomenal recessed top. It exhibits double doors in the center of the cabinet and three drawers on each side of the double doors all surrounded with beautiful brass trim & displaying magnificent brass hardware. And hidden BEHIND those double doors lies a marvelous secret!! THREE more drawers graduating from narrow at the top to a bit wider at the bottom AND they also have lovely brass pulls in the center of each drawer. That’s NINE drawers total!! Talk about AMPLE storage space for linens, clothes, books, or whatever your stow-away needs are! It is going to be an incredible addition to your bedroom or dressing area if you choose to use it as a dresser but its usage is not limited to that! It will be BEAUTIFUL in your dining room used as a sideboard or buffet, in the family room as a cabinet for games, toys, and art supplies, or in an entry utilized as a credenza hosting a lovely sculpture or artwork on top and endless options below. Whatever its use, it bears an EXQUISITE and timeless style you are sure to love for years to come!
Raymond Karl Sobota (1914-2010) is an award-winning American furniture designer. He attended and obtained his degree in design from Kendall College of Art and Design in his native home of Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating in 1946 Sobota apprenticed with his namesake and uncle, a furniture designer as well, Karl Schmidt, who designed for Berkey and Gay Furniture Company. He apprenticed for seven years leading to his designing for Grand Rapids Bookcase and Chair Co., the Mt. Airy Furniture Co., Hekman Furniture and finally Century Furniture for whom he designed from 1952 until 1995. He designed all the company’s wood furniture during that time in total, over 150 collections. The most notable being Citation, Chin Hua, Claridge, and the Henry Ford Museum and the British National Trust collections. Sobota is credited for helping make Century Furniture the industry leader it is today.
Century Furniture Company, one of the world’s largest privately owned upper-end residential furniture manufacturers, was founded in 1947 by Harley Ferguson Shuford, Sr. When first formed Century Furniture was a selling agent for local upholstery lines. But as soon as a year later Shuford had built a case goods plant in Hickory, North Carolina and that started it all. Harley Shuford along with his siblings and children acquired company after company expanding into upholstered furniture, chair manufacturing, and even a leather division. Century has made it through feast and famine in the furniture business and today retains their long-standing role as a leading force in the American home furnishings market.
This amazing Chin Hua dresser...
Category
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Brass
$3,995
H 31.25 in W 76 in D 18 in
Queen Anne Chinoiserie Lacquer Pedestal Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century Queen Anne Chinoiserie black lacquer pedestal desk. Desk features three-quarter gallery top over three horizontal drawers, and doo...
Category
19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Chinoiserie Chin Hua Server by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture. Circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Chin Hua Chinoiserie Buffet / Server by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture. Circa 1960s
Features a burl maple veneers, finished back, black lacquer, brass hardw...
Category
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Wood, Burl
$1,680
H 30 in W 40 in D 19 in
Sligh Furniture Campaign Desk in Leather, Mahogany and Brass
Located in Littleton, CO
Classic and refined, this 1978 Campaign-style executive desk by Sligh Furniture combines traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality. This desk features richly grained mahoga...
Category
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Brass
$4,395 Sale Price
20% Off
H 28.75 in W 56 in D 26 in
Century Furniture Chin Hua Armoire Gentleman's Chest
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Asian Chin Hua Raymond Sobota Century Furniture Gentleman's
Chest or Armoire by the high-quality furniture maker Century, from their "Chin Hua" line de...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Brass
Maitland Smith Asian Chippendale Bamboo Wicker Wardrobe Armoire Bar Cabinet
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details Below.
Shipping Quote Information
The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Category
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Wicker, Wood
$1,080 Sale Price
56% Off
H 93 in W 47 in D 22 in
George I Walnut Kneehole Desk
Located in Essex, MA
Nicely figured walnut, rectangular quarter veneer top over top over a drawer and kneehole with door and small drawer flanked by drawers raised on bracket feet.
Category
Early 18th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Other
19th Century English George III Burr Walnut Bureau Bookcase
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a very good quality burr walnut dome top bureau bookcase. The top of the bookcase has three finials with two glazed doors below. The doors open to reveal a superbly fitte...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Walnut
Desk , Small English Knee Hole Desk with Tooled Leather Top, Serpentine Front
Located in Toronto, CA
A serpentine curved front, small English kneehole desk in classical mahogany Georgian styling. The gold(ish) brown antique looking tooled leather...
Category
20th Century English Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
$2,319 Sale Price
20% Off
H 29.75 in W 21 in D 45.5 in
19th Century French Oak Barley Twist Bureau Plat Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Spectacular 19th century French bureau plat writing table or desk featuring barley twist legs and stretcher. Crafted from oak in the grand Louis XIII style fronted by a large 27 inch...
Category
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Oak
$3,840 Sale Price
20% Off
H 29 in W 35.5 in D 20 in
French Louis XV Style Bureau Plat Leather Top Writing Desk
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An outstanding French Louis XV style writing desk or bureau plat desk with bronze trim and ornate ormolu mounts and embossed leather top. The desk is finished on all sides and could ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Vintage Tortoise Bamboo and Rattan Writing Desk
Located in Roanoke, VA
Stunning vintage faux tortoise bamboo writing desk. Beautiful frame and detail. Features three drawers for storage.
Category
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Rattan
Previously Available Items
Palm Beach Chic Bamboo & Cane Chinoiserie Pagoda Form Desk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Palm Beach chic bamboo and caned writing desk. It has a charming pagoda shape, and the drawers are dovetailed. It most likely dates to the 1970s. It is unmarked.
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Brass
20Th.C. Chinoiserie Bamboo, Rattan & Black Lacquer Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This is a very nice and useful 20Th.C. Chinoiserie Bamboo, Rattan & Black Lacquer Writing Desk.
The front apron has a half circle bamboo with a grasscloth shelf above the Black La...
Category
1960s Philippine Vintage Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Lacquer
Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Kidney Shaped Writing Desk
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Mid-Century Hollywood Regency Kidney Shaped Writing Desk
Elegant mid-century Hollywood Regency kidney shaped writing desk with gilt accents. The olive-green painted desk...
Category
20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Wood
Vintage Faux Bamboo Chinoiserie Leather Top Desk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive vintage desk having a tooled green leather top on a classic two pedestal form crafted with a hardwood faux bamboo frame having nine drawers in the front and two cabinets o...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Leather, Faux Bamboo, Hardwood
Georgian Style, Chinoiserie, Beige Secretary Desk, Bureau Cabinet, Japanned
Located in Manhasset, NY
Japanned, Georgian Style Chinoiserie, Beige Secretary Desk, Bureau Cabinet
This is a highly decorative and stylish Japanned beige or tan painted bureau bookcase decorated overall with gilt chinoiseries. The top section contains a arched pediment over two conforming doors leading to a fitted and fully painted interior. The top supported by a bottom section containing a drop-front writing surface which is fully decorated above a single drawer over two pair of smaller drawers over one large bottom drawer. A rare and desirable design that is rarely seen. All of the drawers are supported by a shaped scalloped base, 20th century. This item is made of two pieces. A top and a base.
Japanning is the decoration and treatment of antique furniture using...
Category
1990s Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Wood
H 92.5 in W 40 in D 21.25 in
Georgian Chinoiserie Cream Lacquered Hand Painted Secretary Desk With Bookcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top
By Jasper Cabinet Co.
USA, Circa 1970s
Cream la...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Brass
H 83 in W 35 in D 17 in
1970s Writing Desk From Century Furniture’s Chin Hua Collection by Raymond Sobot
Located in Hartville, OH
A coveted piece from Century Furniture’s Chin Hua Collection by Raymond Sabota, this beautifully crafted writing desk from the ea...
Category
1970s North American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Lacquer
H 30 in W 54.5 in D 30 in
Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and lighted bookcase hutch top
By Jasper Furniture Company
USA, Late 20th Century
Black lacquered walnu...
Category
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Brass
H 80.5 in W 35 in D 15.75 in
Vintage Maddox Chinoiserie, Black Lacquer, Slant-Front Writing Desk
Located in Houston, TX
The Vintage Maddox Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Slant-Front Writing Desk is a captivating piece of furniture that blends functionality and artistic allure. This desk, dating back to a bygone era, exudes the charm of Chinoiserie design, inspired by Chinese and East Asian aesthetics, which were highly popular during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The desk is distinguished by its striking black lacquer finish, which not only adds a touch of elegance but also provides a durable and glossy surface. The slant-front design is a hallmark of writing desks, offering a hidden compartment for letters and writing tools. The intricate Chinoiserie motifs, often featuring birds, blossoms, and landscapes, are hand-painted on the desk, adding a touch of exotic beauty.
This Vintage Maddox desk...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Wood, Paint, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Vintage Asian Black Lacquered Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular vintage Asian secretary desk. A chic black lacquered cabinet with hand painted gilt pastoral scenes. The most beautiful collection o...
Category
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Metal
H 97.5 in W 46 in D 27.5 in
Early 20th-Century Scriban in Chinese Lacquer
Located in NICE, FR
This two-part scriban cabinet showcases an exquisite combination of cream and gold Chinese lacquer, representing exquisite Italian craftsmanship from the early 20th century. The lower section is equipped with a chest of drawers featuring five drawers arranged in four rows. Above it, there's a slanted writing desk...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Wood, Paint
Late 20th Century Vintage Regency Chinoiserie Mirrored Secretary Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning vintage Regency Secretary desk. Beautiful hand painted Chinoiserie detail on a saffron yellow background. Beautiful mirrored doors wi...
Category
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Chinoiserie desks for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinoiserie desks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, paint and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinoiserie desks made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks, popular names associated with this style include Karges Furniture, and Thomasville. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,800 and tops out at $32,104 while the average work can sell for $3,950.